Adding to the list of activities I didn’t appreciate until adulthood kicked in, I love museums. I didn’t used to. My family would tour Washington, DC’s museums during cherry blossom season. It was hot, it was humid, and it felt like a forced march. I don’t remember many of the specific exhibits we attended. But, if maturing works retroactively, I appreciate everything my parents did to expand my horizons and culture. Because, now that I’m an artist, I LOVE museums.

Last time I was out this way, Erika and I went to the VMFA. This time, we went to the Chrysler Museum of Art–celebrating our second friendiversary!!

The cameo glass pieces were especially my favorite in the glass exhibit! I couldn’t help but marvel at how these intricate pieces were made.

Impressionism always makes me think of my mom. She is especially fond of Mary Cassatt; we went to a number of her exhibits. Her love of the style extended to me, and I was excited to see there was an impressionist exhibit!

The most unsettling was definitely the Lunatic of Etretat by Hughes Merle. Erika fairly skipped up to it, flourishing her arms so I would know it was one of her favorites. It truly stays with you. Her eyes bore into you as she protects what should be a baby…but is a log in a blanket.

The kinetic chandelier by Luke Jerram hangs in a stairwell, each tiny radiometer spinning in reaction to light. It doesn’t require electricity to run, but there are tiny LEDs in the bulbs so it can run at night!

If the Lunatic painting was one of her favorites, this is her favorite. It’s hollow. Beautifully draped and ghostly and hollow.

The museum was the perfect way to spend theday with Erika. The best friends are the ones with whom you can share goofiness, honesty, and interests, such as art.